With research showing that a third of tradespeople have been affected by tool theft, Howdens will be giving away free tool marking kits to tradespeople at its Benton depot on Wednesday, 3rd September to help combat the issue in the area.
The kits will be distributed on a first come, first served basis to local tradespeople visiting the depot as part of the Big Howdens Trade Day – when the kitchens specialist will offer trade customers exclusive deals on selected products, including joinery, doors and hardware products, at depots nationwide, for one day only.
Howdens’ own research of its trade customers highlights the ongoing problem of tool theft, as a third (32%) of tradespeople asked said they have been affected, and of those affected, 58% had missed out on work as a result. Luckily, 62% of those experiencing delays had understanding and sympathetic clients, while 20% had frustrated clients and 3% had customers that complained.
Over 45% of tradespeople asked said they consider that having their work tools or equipment stolen is worse than having their phone (20%), work van (17%) or wallet (5%) stolen, showing the huge disruption involved.
Tool theft is an increasing issue for self-employed tradespeople, so the extension of the company’s June pilot – this time in the North East region – aims to give tradespeople extra reassurance. Each free tool marking kit can be used to mark up to 50 pieces of equipment.
Claire Bailey, Regional Director at Howdens, said: “Our research shows the disruption and delays that tool theft can cause – and also what a widespread problem it is, with more than a third of trades affected.
“With this latest activity, giving away free tool marking kits at our Benton depot, we want to save our trade customers time and money, by helping to protect their kit.”
Research conducted in August 2025, with a sample size of 328 Howdens trade customers.
